Technologies / Data & Analytics

Power BI with SQL - Data Integration and Analysis

A three-day training combining Microsoft Power BI Desktop with SQL database server. Participants will learn efficient data retrieval and transformation from SQL, creating reports and analyses in Power BI, working with DirectQuery, and writing SQL queries directly from Power BI. The program also covers DAX fundamentals, Power Query, and using AI tools for data transformation automation and query generation.

Modern data analysis requires not only visualization skills but, above all, efficient data retrieval and integration from multiple sources. Combining Power BI with SQL server opens capabilities unavailable when working with Excel files alone - from live database connections (DirectQuery) to advanced SQL queries directly from within Power BI.

Power BI with SQL - Data Integration and Analysis is a 3-day EITT training program, delivered on-site or remotely - depending on participant preferences. The program is designed for professionals with basic data analysis knowledge - sessions combine theory with intensive hands-on exercises, with AI-assisted data transformation automation and query generation elements.

Topics covered include:

Building Power BI reports from first visualization to advanced dashboards
Data transformations in Power Query using the M language
SQL database integration - Import, DirectQuery, direct queries
DAX language fundamentals - measures, calculated columns, tables
Server-side SQL operations - Query Designer, aggregations, parameterization

Upon completion, participants will be able to independently build Power BI reports powered by SQL server data, optimize the data pipeline between database and report, and write SQL queries directly from within Power BI.

Benefits

Learn to efficiently retrieve data from SQL server and integrate it into a Power BI model
Gain the ability to transform and cleanse data in Power Query using the M language
Understand data working modes - Import vs. DirectQuery - and their performance impact
Master DAX fundamentals for creating measures and calculated columns
Learn to write SQL queries directly from within Power BI
Gain knowledge of integrating data from multiple sources (Excel, CSV, JSON, SQL) into a single model
Understand techniques for building interactive reports with visualizations and conditional formatting

Who is this training for?

Data analysts seeking to combine Power BI skills with SQL databases

BI specialists integrating data from multiple sources in Power BI reports

Accountants and financial controllers needing reports based on SQL database data

Developers and report programmers expanding their toolkit with Power BI

Testers working with test data in SQL databases

Professionals responsible for management reporting in their organization

Data specialists looking to optimize the SQL to Power BI data pipeline

Prerequisites

Basic spreadsheet (Excel) knowledge
General understanding of data analysis and reporting concepts
Basic database or SQL knowledge is an added advantage
Computer with Power BI Desktop installed

Training program

Overview of Power BI versions and available licenses
Capabilities and main applications of the Desktop version
User interface introduction, view modes, and functionality overview
Application concepts and tools: Power Query, DAX data model, tables, calculated fields, and measures
Report, card, and visualization - main interface components

Data visualization - connecting visual elements with data
Line chart, pie chart, card, and table - formatting and customizing report appearance
Hierarchy in data visualization
Filtering by selection and using filters and slicers
Table and matrix visualizations - conditional formatting
Line chart with time axis: trend line, constant axis, forecast, and anomalies
Geographic data visualizations - map and choropleth

Importing multiple tables from Excel into a report
File transformations - introduction to Power Query
Optimization and modification of data connected to the model
Data types, regional settings, and their conversion
Automatic and manual table linking using relationships
DAX data model - its structure and capabilities

Power Query data sources - capabilities and limitations
Spreadsheets and their elements as data sources
TXT/CSV files - editing and information conversion
JSON/XML files - transformation and customization
Tables embedded in web pages
Integration and merging of non-standard data

Data cleansing and optimization for the Power BI model
M language function overview: numbers, time, and strings
Calculated and conditional columns in Power Query M
Merging and appending tables
Join types and directions: left/right, inner/outer, anti-joins
Counting, aggregation, and PIVOT/UNPIVOT functions
Parameters in Power Query

What is the DAX data model
Calculated columns - concept and usage
DAX language functions: time, numbers, and text
Format vs. data type - adjusting to user needs
Data hierarchy and categorization
Building measures in DAX - practical applications
Measure vs. column - differences in usage
Calculated tables and their applications
Parameters in DAX

Technical requirements for SQL sources
Connecting to a database
SQL server object types: tables, views, table-valued functions
Importing tables with their relationships
Data cleansing and optimization using Power Query
Building a report based on the generated model

SQL server data import - data caching in the model
Direct queries - DirectQuery (live data)
Performance considerations - optimization
Direct SQL language queries
Data retrieval - the SELECT statement
Query operators and criteria
Query parameterization

Query Designer - low-code query creation
Multi-table server-side operations: import and direct queries
Server-side aggregation functions

Delivery Methods

Online

Convenience of participating from anywhere
Interactive live sessions with trainer
Materials available for 30 days
No travel costs

On-site

Direct contact with trainer and group
Intensive hands-on workshops
Networking with other participants
Full focus on learning

Training Topics

Frequently asked questions

What are the prerequisites for the Power BI with SQL training?

This is an intermediate-level training that requires basic Excel knowledge and a general understanding of data analysis concepts. SQL or database knowledge is an added advantage but not required - the course includes an introduction to SQL.

What is the training format and duration?

The training lasts 3 days and is available both on-site and online, depending on group preferences. The program includes lectures, demonstrations, and intensive hands-on exercises on real datasets and SQL databases.

Who is this training designed for?

This training is designed for data analysts, BI specialists, accountants, financial controllers, and developers who want to combine Power BI skills with SQL databases and learn to efficiently integrate data from multiple sources.

What is the difference between Import and DirectQuery, and which approach will we learn?

Import caches data locally in the Power BI model (fast reports, but data may be outdated), while DirectQuery queries the SQL database live (always current data, but slower reports). The training covers both approaches, their advantages, limitations, and use cases - along with performance optimization.

What is the training cost and how can I register?

The training costs 3750 PLN net per person. To register or request a group offer, contact us by phone or through the form on our website. We also offer closed trainings tailored to the needs of specific organizations.